Browsing by Author "Wilhelm, Ricardo A."

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    Motor Preparation and Execution for Performance Difficulty: Centroparietal Beta Activation during the Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task as a Function of Motivation
    (MDPI, 2021) Wilhelm, Ricardo A.; Threadgill, A. Hunter; Gable, Philip A.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa; Florida State University; University of Delaware
    Debate exists as to the effects of anxiety in performance-based studies. However, no studies have examined the influence of motivation both in preparation of a motor movement and during movement performance. The present study measured beta activation in preparation for and during execution of the effort expenditure for rewards task (EEfRT), a button-pressing task consisting of easy and hard trials. Results indicated that motor preparation (i.e., reduced beta activation) was greater in preparation for hard trials than for easy trials. Additionally, motor preparation decreased (i.e., beta activation increased) over the course of hard trial execution. These results suggest that motor preparation is enhanced prior to more challenging tasks but that motor preparation declines as participants become closer to completing their goal in each challenging trial. These results provide insight into how beta activation facilitates effort expenditure for motor tasks varying in difficulty and motivation. The impact of these results on models of anxiety and performance is discussed.
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    Physical Activity Engagement Linked Linked to Frontal Asymmetry During Approach-Avoidance Decision Making
    (University of Alabama Libraries, 2022) Wilhelm, Ricardo A.; Gable, Philip A.; Hart, William P.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    Aside from the various physical and psychological benefits of physical activity engagement, recent findings suggest levels of habitual physical and sedentary activity can predict patterns of lateralized frontal cortical activity at rest measured by electroencephalography (EEG). These lateralized brain activity patterns are linked to motivational systems proposed by Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) thought to govern behavioral approach, fight-flight-freeze, and motivational control responses. Research to date has primarily focused on the link between these patterns of frontal asymmetry at rest and self-reported habitual physical activity levels. However, past research has yet to examine whether these physical activity levels are linked to activation of specific motivational systems during situational frontal asymmetry patterns, neuro-correlates of motivation systems proposed by RST. The current study measured resting frontal asymmetry in addition to using a novel task to elicit situational frontal asymmetry to extend prior work on frontal asymmetric patterns of activity as a marker of habitual physical and sedentary activity. Results revealed a link between habitual sedentary activity and greater left frontal asymmetry, supporting recent frameworks of energy minimization that could mark more sedentary lifestyles. Situational frontal asymmetry results were in line with recent evidence suggesting strong situational manipulations may diminish the link between individual differences in physical and sedentary behaviors to motivation in a decision-making task. Potential limitations and further explanations are discussed.